Going ultralight is a game-changer. This can really help you excel in your backpacking ability which is why we highly recommend Ultralight (UL) backpacking at Backpacker's Resource. If you really want to be able to cover more ground and boost your hiking capacity follow our Going Light series. Our first two posts of the series show ways to cost effectively save some ounces. Now it's time to save some pounds!

What is the BIG Three? When we talk about the BIG Three, we are refering to the three heaviest pieces of equipment that every backpacker uses: Sleeping Bag, Shelter, and Backpack. In this post we are going to break them down one by one to help you save some serious pounds on your back.

Have you ever hiked higher or father than you thought possible? Been afraid, but overcome your fear? Forgotten some of your gear or food, but found a way to make do anyway? Been freaked out by a looming peak and turned back? Gotten off the trail earlier than planned because you felt mentally fatigued and just wanted to go home?

CONS

Air Pads

PROS

CONS

When hiking, it's very important to choose the proper clothing. When on the trail, the last thing any hiker wants is to always be wet and cold. Sometimes it can't be avoided, but it's the hiker's responsibility to take all the necessary precautions to avoid it the best they can.In choosing the right clothing there is one material you want to avoid at all costs and that's COTTON. The main purpose of clothing is to provide some type of insulation or barrier between your body and the outside. Clothing keeps you warm by trapping warm air near your skin. When cotton gets wet, it ceases to insulate you because all of the air pockets in the fabric fill up with water. When you hike, you perspire, and any cotton clothing touching your skin will absorb your sweat like a sponge.

Store purchased first aid kits can tend to be expensive and heavy. Here is an easy DIY for you to assemble your own first aid kit. Chances are, you've got most this stuff lying around your home. Altogether, this kit weighs 3.8 oz so above all, it's ultralight.

Water is of the utmost importance on the trail. Over the years I’ve come up with a system that works very well for me and is very light weight. Water availability will generally dictate the amount of water you want to carry on the trail, but as a general rule, a 3 liter bladder or 3 liters of total storage should suffice. I use a 2L bladder and a 1L platy-bottle.